"What is this little bead?"
Zaiden was given a small bead by master Michal who knew beforehand about the incoming dangers. Michal was well aware what kind of dangers and troubles Zaiden would face by stepping out of the academy premises. Hence he wanted to ensure his safety for his own obvious benefit.
The boy headed towards the front lawn, the academy was situated in the midst of the valley. It left the city close by leaving a barrier wall in between the enormous front lawn and the city. Curtis wanted to get his facts straight too after accumulating the information presented by the system.
"Well, let's just see the life outside the bubble then."
The guards on the gate opened the door permitting him to leave, when Zaiden twitched his fingers and a red spark emerged from his fingers. It turned into a sound seal which floated above his palm, it was a permit from master Michal to let him pass. However the boy walked through the gate and felt an instant shiver.
'Whoa! The pressure outside the academy has suddenly decreased.'
Zaiden could feel his blood flowing in the veins with less pressure, his heartbeat was relatively calm now. The area which covered the academy building was a big chunk which had the spirit of its own. Hence the place had higher mana radiations which made it special and suitable for the disciples to train.
"Are you experiencing something different too, Curtis?"
They had arrived to the academy from the back, where the cliff was but thee city was situated on the other side. The hill descended with a sloppy path, as Zaiden walked on foot. Curtis on the other hand was excited to see the new place, since for some reason he could not leave the academy without Zaiden.
"No, apparently because I'm still a celestial being despite a little evolution. I miss being able to touch things."
Curtis replied with annoyance, his current situation had its own pros and cons. But he was still consuming a lot of time adjusting and accepting the facts. His main worry revolved around not being able to do anything.
'This is...awesome!'
Zaiden couldn't contain his amazement upon seeing the view in front of him. After heading towards the slope a huge net of buildings appeared, the buildings seemed to be connected by numerous flyovers. However the more closer they walked, many weird things dawned upon the duo.
The city's ground was on red water, it appeared to be a water body with a huge city on it. However it was still a question how the city didn't drown, what kind of water had that much density to withhold a city. Nonetheless Zaiden preferred to walk and explore on foot rather than nauseous shape shifting.
'The city also has different atmosphere compared to the academy. It means I can potentially use my powers without caring about rules. If the surge of energy is low here, then the city dwellers might not be strong enough too.'
Undoubtedly the energy waves and potential was high within the academy, while those bright underground mana lights were absent outside the premises. Zaiden' theory might be true, which was a benefitting situation for him. He wanted to avoid stirring a scuffle, Zaiden was aware of his mental stability. And Michal's words constantly rang in his head like an alarm to refrain from using his powers to a dangerous extent.
Nonetheless they reached the water body, it appeared to be hollow deep pit. What seemed red water from the distance turned to out to be some strange visible moving mist. The adjoined bridge was in front of him, the ingress was made of some energy plates.
'This is on another level compared to medieval Xandaya. Is Solaria trading with Hexaphere? Or any other kingdom around has some marvellous high tech at their hand.'
Meanwhile Zaiden was admiring the wise strategy of Hexaphere, Curtis seemed to be having some troubles. He couldn't get past the bridge, as if some invisible barrier was the hinderance.
"Err, master Zaiden...it seems you have to go ahead all alone. Because there's some invisible mystical energy refraining me from following you."
Zaiden nodded and headed towards the gate which was an arch. While Curtis stayed outside the city dwelling and summoned the system to answer his confusion. Meanwhile inside the net of the city, Zaiden was soon in the midst of bustling street.
On his left was a row of endless buildings and a marketplace on his right hand. While on the front was a junction with a tall building, the soaring stories were joined with flyovers which were seen outside the city. Zaiden was preoccupied with his analysis of the city, after the guard let him after showing the same seal.
"Hey kid, what are you doing here?"
A man approached Zaiden from the left side, he didn't hear his footsteps which concerned Zaiden. His senses had dropped to grave level which made him upset. The man seemed to be familiar with him, as Zaiden concluded by his friendly tone. The seemingly male vampire rasped that Zaiden didn't recognize him, he chuckled softly before reaching for his shoulder.
He had to lean in due to their undeniable difference in heights. While Zaiden reflexively ebbed, he could sense some negative aura from the man.
"I think you didn't recognize me. It might be due to this appearance. I'm...."